Thursday, March 24, 2011

New York City Opera Announces Spring Season

By Byrne Harrison

The New York City Opera has announced its spring season. The lineup includes Donizetti’s classic, The Elixir of Love, reimagined in the 1950s Southwest; Monodramas, an electrifying triple bill of one-acts that unites modern music, dance, visual art, and design; the New York premiere Stephen Schwartz’s new psychological thriller Séance on a Wet Afternoon; and a special concert, John Zorn’s Masada Marathon.

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE
March 22 – April 5

Don’t miss Donizetti’s classic romantic comedy, reimagined in an inventive production, which relocates the action to the 1950s American Southwest to tell the tale of a shy young man’s quest to win the girl of his dreams.

Music, art, design, and dance merge in this triple bill of groundbreaking one-act operas by some of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Directed by theater visionary Michael Counts, this compelling dreamscape is a haunting exploration of the subconscious.

Written in a flash of creativity, the 316 compositions in John Zorn's Book of Angels contain some of his most lyrical and inspiring music. This special marathon concert brings together 12 different groups - jazz, rock, classical, world music, jam band, a cappella vocals and more - for one spectacular evening of music.

Don’t miss the New York premiere of the first opera by Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer of hit show Wicked. This psychological thriller tells the tale of a conniving psychic who orchestrates an elaborate kidnapping scheme to win the fame she so desperately craves.